Site-Specific Erosion & Sediment Control

Dewatering and stormwater management should not be approached with a one-solution-fits-all plan. Site conditions and seasonality call for a variety of construction plans that support an efficient and environmentally compliant dewatering project. This major project case study will discuss how the variety of challenging terrain in Northern Minnesota meant multiple stormwater and dewatering plans through multiple seasons had to be developed. On this project, dewatering experts approached winter stormwater management with the installation of environmental control devices (ECDs) like sediment logs and then switched to silt fencing for the summer season. These different types of ECDs are chosen based on site conditions and seasonality to ensure projects are completed efficiently and environmentally compliant while also being low maintenance as poor quality or short-term ECDs could fail and need continuous repair or replacement. Additionally, certain dewatering techniques, such as well points, are used to help control groundwater, drying up worksites to make ECD maintenance easier. A dryer worksite prevents stormwater from migrating off the right-of-way and the desaturated ground will absorb more stormwater quicker. Tools, techniques, and material choice play an important role in erosion and sediment control which is critical for the success of a large project covering many miles of difficult terrain. There is no single solution for proper dewatering and stormwater management; completing this task efficiently and environmentally compliant requires choosing the right tools and materials. This discussion will address common challenges and show project examples that overcame site-specific and situational obstacles. The industry expert will also highlight a variety of materials and techniques that will keep projects efficient and environmentally compliant.